Louisiana Mayor Among Seven Arrested in Drug Trafficking Probe

January 8, 2025 TruthUSA

Tyrin Truong made history in 2022 by becoming the youngest mayor in Louisiana when he was elected in Bogalusa.

The mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana, has been arrested alongside six other individuals following a lengthy investigation into a drug trafficking operation in the region, as reported by local law enforcement.

Tyrin Truong, age 25, was charged with conducting transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses and solicitation of prostitutes, according to a statement by the Louisiana State Police here.

Additionally, the mayor faces accusations of using another individual’s movable property without consent. He has been booked into the Washington Parish jail along with the six other suspects but was subsequently released on bond.

“We have zero tolerance for wrongdoing, especially from public officials,” stated Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill in a January 7 statement.

Truong, who made history at age 23 by defeating the incumbent Wendy O’Quin Perrette, has been serving as Bogalusa’s mayor since 2022.

The Epoch Times has reached out to his office for a comment but has not received a response by the time of publication.

The other individuals arrested include MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu, 24; De-Saleem Wali Pittman, 24; Dirul S. Pittman, 22; Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman, 26; Tonya Renee Stage, 51; and Devan Michael Williams, 28. They have also been charged with transactions involving proceeds from drug-related offenses.

Among them, three have been charged with conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, and one has been charged with distributing a Schedule II controlled substance. It remains unclear if any have legal representation.

Police indicated that the search and arrest warrants stemmed from evidence collected during the investigation, which commenced in April 2024.

This organization is reported to be involved in the distribution of opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA—commonly referred to as ecstasy, according to law enforcement.

Authorities noted that the organization utilized social media for drug distribution and payment handling, with profits from these sales being utilized to acquire firearms. Some of these weapons were allegedly supplied to individuals banned from possessing firearms, with several connected to violent incidents in the Bogalusa vicinity. The investigation is ongoing.

According to Louisiana State Police, “a variety of other matters and individuals” continue to be investigated in connection with issues both related to and separate from these arrests.

“We will keep dedicating time and resources to assist the citizens of Bogalusa. This is not over,” stated District Attorney Collin Sims.

The investigation was conducted in partnership with the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office, Murrill’s office, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the state recorded 2,456 drug-involved fatalities in 2023, with 1,130 of those linked to opioid use.

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